BCM student plans 2,100 mile journey to Houston on bike

Baylor College of Medicine student Jared Rammell is taking the idea of biking to school to the next level by biking from Boise, Idaho, to Houston for his orientation into the new Master of Science in Orthotics and Prosthetics program this June.

Rammell embarks on his 2,100 mile journey today and plans to be in Houston in time for his first day of orientation on June 24, meaning he will average roughly 90 miles per day on his journey.

The new master’s program in the School of Allied Health Sciences at Baylor College of Medicine trains orthotists and prosthetists who design, build, fit and maintain prosthetic limbs and custom orthopedic appliances for individuals with limb loss and physical impairments.

Rammell, an avid cyclist who has competed in road races and endurance mountain biking events, decided to go into the field of orthotics and prosthetics at the encouragement of his wife, who is a nurse. He went back to school to complete his prerequisites and decided to come to BCM for his training.

He’s always wanted to do a trip like this, and his move to Houston allows the perfect opportunity, all while raising money for the Range of Motion Project, an organization that provides orthotic and prosthetic care to those in Guatemala who do not have access to these services. He hopes to raise $1 per mile that he travels. The Rammell will carry a trailer on the back of his bike with camping equipment.

"I'm really looking forward to the program at BCM and I'm excited to kick start this next chapter in my life with an adventure by bike that starts in Boise and ends at BCM," he said.